One final fling at Stick

Montana and DeBartolo help 49ers bring down the house with a last win

Updated 5:09 am, Sunday, July 13, 2014

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) looks back for the ball before making a catch. The 49ers defeated the All-Stars 45-40 in a flag-football charity game that was also a farewell to Candlestick Park.

Former 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) looks back for the ball before making a catch. The 49ers defeated the All-Stars 45-40 in a flag-football charity game that was also a farewell to Candlestick Park.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. holds the ball after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. holds the ball after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Dwight Clark signs an autograph on the field where he made one of the team's most memorable plays, giving a fan quite a catch.

Dwight Clark signs an autograph on the field where he made one of the team's most memorable plays, giving a fan quite a catch.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Marissa Burch, 7, of Kettle Falls, Wash., has her game face on before the contest, complete with 49ers' eye black.

Marissa Burch, 7, of Kettle Falls, Wash., has her game face on before the contest, complete with 49ers' eye black.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) catches a pass during the second half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) catches a pass during the second half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. reacts to the cheering fans after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. reacts to the cheering fans after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. holds the ball after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. holds the ball after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers running back Tony Parrish smiles after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco 49ers running back Tony Parrish smiles after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia (5) smiles as he scores a touchdown during the first half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia (5) smiles as he scores a touchdown during the first half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Hall of Famer Jerry Rice says Colin Kaepernick can find success in the right offense.

Hall of Famer Jerry Rice says Colin Kaepernick can find success in the right offense.

Photo: Stephen Lam / Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young (8) tosses the ball after scoring a touchdown during the first half of theLegends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young (8) tosses the ball after scoring a touchdown during the first half of theLegends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia (c) rushes up the field during the second half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia (c) rushes up the field during the second half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers running back RTony Parrish (33) runs for the touchdown during the first half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco 49ers running back RTony Parrish (33) runs for the touchdown during the first half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers running back Jerry Rice (80) makes a catch during the first half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco 49ers running back Jerry Rice (80) makes a catch during the first half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers running back Bill Ring (30) makes a catch during the first half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco 49ers running back Bill Ring (30) makes a catch during the first half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. (1) tosses the ball after making the last touchdown during the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. (1) tosses the ball after making the last touchdown during the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. (C) reacts as he is embraced by former running back Roger Craig, (2nd L) after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. (C) reacts as he is embraced by former running back Roger Craig, (2nd L) after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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A group of 49ers fans toss confetti into the air after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

A group of 49ers fans toss confetti into the air after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. is being carried into the field by former players after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. is being carried into the field by former players after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana (16) enters the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana (16) enters the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco wide receivers Jerry Rice (80) and Dwight Clark (87) are seen on the sideline before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco wide receivers Jerry Rice (80) and Dwight Clark (87) are seen on the sideline before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Shumann (84) tosses the ball into the stands after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Shumann (84) tosses the ball into the stands after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young (8) warms up on the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young (8) warms up on the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana (10) warms up on the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana (10) warms up on the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino makes a pass during the first half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino makes a pass during the first half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Cade Reding, 9, left, and Tommy Hinek, right, watches the game from the sideline during the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Cade Reding, 9, left, and Tommy Hinek, right, watches the game from the sideline during the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young (8) warms up on the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young (8) warms up on the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. reacts to the cheering fans after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. reacts to the cheering fans after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe puts away a tablet on the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe puts away a tablet on the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers Joe Montana is seen on the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Former San Francisco 49ers Joe Montana is seen on the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers Ronnie Lott smiles on the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Former San Francisco 49ers Ronnie Lott smiles on the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers running back Tony Parrish (33) runs for the touchdown during the first half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco 49ers running back Tony Parrish (33) runs for the touchdown during the first half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana (16) warms up on the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana (16) warms up on the field before the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Isaac Bruce, left, reacts as he is embraced by Roger Craig, right, after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Isaac Bruce, left, reacts as he is embraced by Roger Craig, right, after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia (c) rushes up the field during the second half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014. less

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia (c) rushes up the field during the second half of the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July ... more

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. addresses the crowd after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. addresses the crowd after the Legends of Candlestick flag football game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

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One final fling at Stick

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The flags were waving at Candlestick Park on Saturday night, but not that briskly ... as they were attached to the hips of 50-year-old retired football players.

It was a chilly night, but the 49ers' players, fans and former owner who gathered to say goodbye to the old stadium left feeling warm all over.

Joe Montana hit owner/receiver "Fast" Eddie DeBartolo for the game-winning touchdown as the 49ers beat the All-Stars 45-40 in the Legends of Candlestick flag-football game. There were roughly 25,000 fans in attendance.

DeBartolo was having a blast even before his TD. (And no, the All-Stars didn't lay down on the last play. Not literally, anyway.)

"It's a dream come true to get everybody back here," he said. "And have a fitting end to this stadium. It's a special place that has great, great memories for us that will last forever."

The game-winning lob from Montana was set up by a flea flicker from the long line of great Niners quarterbacks, Steve Young to Montana to Jeff Garcia. Garcia earlier hit Isaac Bruce for a touchdown as San Francisco came back from a 40-32 deficit.

Garcia had been dead-on in his scouting report at Friday's practice: The All Stars were younger and faster, especially on defense. Former Vikings safety Robert Griffith, a spry 44, baited Young into two first-half interceptions, both of which Griffith returned for touchdowns.

After the second, some fans booed Young and screamed, "We want Joe!" ... a nice trip down memory lane for the quarterback who once fought so hard and successfully to get out of Montana's shadow.

Montana finished with three touchdown passes - to Bill Ring, Mike Shumann and DeBartolo - and Young ran for a touchdown. Garcia threw two touchdown passes, to Jerry Rice and to Bruce.

The 49ers' other score came from 38-year-old retired safety Tony Parrish, who returned one of his three interceptions for a touchdown. Parrish also had a handful of passes broken up and flag-pulls.

Many retired players didn't last long in their return to the Stick but had a blast just the same.

"It was so cool to see everybody, players you played with and some that you just met, and all the fans," receiver Dwight Clark said. "I tried to get in shape the last few months, but I kept pulling something or another. I feel like I am letting my teammates down."

Clark took a last look at the stadium on its last legs, as the 49ers will call Santa Clara home this season.

"I was so fortunate to play here, to play for the 49ers," Clark said. "The championships and camaraderie between the players and coaches. So fortunate."

The game was just the beginning of a fun night, as many hit the after-party at Lucky Strike to raise a glass to each other and the old park.

"This stadium may have had some issues and quirks, but it had character and personality," DeBartolo said. "There will never be another Candlestick Park."

Briefly: Former Raiders receiver Tim Brown had a touchdown catch for the All-Stars, whose quarterbacks, Dan Marino, Dave Krieg and Drew Bledsoe, used an iPad on the field to help call plays. ... Charles Haley attended but didn't play and was constantly in the ear of current 49ers defensive end Aldon Smith on the sideline. ... Former Niners punter Barry Helton lined up at receiver and was open all night, apparently. ... In the preliminary game, the San Francisco Police Department beat the San Francisco Firefighters 27-7. Which means the Firefighters must serve the winners dinner at Epic Roasthouse on July 31. ... Montana and DeBartolo were honored at halftime, along with the York family, for partnering with the SFPD in the annual toy drive at Candlestick.

Online extra

Photo gallery: View more images of Saturday's Legends of Candlestick flag-football game at sfgate.com/sports.

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